International community continue to weigh in on Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st) - EU Member State Missions and the diplomatic missions of Norway and Switzerland in Colombo have issued a media release regarding the current political crisis in Sri Lanka. The letter reads "The Ambassadors of the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, as well as the Ambassadors of Norway and Switzerland take note of the summoning of Parliament as indicated in the Gazette." It also states that the Parliament should be allowed to demonstrate its confidence by voting immediately when reconvened, in order to resolve the serious uncertainties currently facing the country.  

Joint statement by @EU_in_Sri_Lanka, EU Member State Missions and the diplomatic missions of Norway and Switzerland:

"We consider it essential that Parliament be allowed to demonstrate its confidence by voting immediately when reconvened" #SriLanka https://t.co/V8fF8dmapG pic.twitter.com/EBNo4Hj3H7 — EU in Sri Lanka (@EU_in_Sri_Lanka) November 8, 2018

CPA Statement

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has issued the following statement regarding the situation in Sri Lanka

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The executive committee of the Commonwealth parliamentary association, currently meeting in London, has noted with concern the recent political developments in Sri Lanka. CPA notes the announcement that Parliament will be convened on 14th November and expresses hope that the situation can be resolved at that time.

The CPA asserts the importance of upholding the rule of law as well as the essential role of the parliament of Sri Lanka, as defined in and protected by the constitution of Sri Lanka

In making this statement, the CPA refers to the Commonwealth charter, adopted by all Commonwealth member states in 2012. The charter states that "governments, political parties and civil society are responsible for upholding and promoting democratic culture and practices."

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The CPA also refers to its recommended benchmarks for democratic legislatures which are as follows: “Reinforcing the belief that effective parliaments are one of the principal institutions of any functioning democracy, [the benchmarks] provide a minimum standard and guide on how a parliament should be constituted and how it should function. The benchmarks are therefore fundamental to the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter."

"Should be handled within Sri Lanka"

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has taken a different tone regarding the recent events in Sri Lanka. Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that India will monitor the situation closely and that India hopes that democratic value and the constitution will be respected. He stated that India will continue to extend development assistance to Sri Lanka. However, he said that India will not engage with any political party at this stage as "things are fluid" and pointed out that the matter "should be handled within Sri Lanka".

"Russia has never told Sri Lanka what to do"

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka says he is convinced that factors which slow down the pace of bilateral agreements between Sri Lanka - Russia agreements will now be removed. He said that once the crisis is settled, both nations can move forward in accordance with agreements signed at a much faster pace, and with greater political cohesion. Speaking to Russian Government Officials, he said Sri Lanka is "very grateful as a people, and a state, that the Russian Federation at this moment, and any other moments, has never told Sri Lanka what to do". He added that Russia always respected Sri Lanka, and helped Sri Lanka protect national independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity. The Ambassador also commented on the "voices from the rest of the world". He said: "these voices forget that the highest elected representative in the country is the executive President who would be elected by the country as a whole and can the take the office if he or she has over 50% of the vote".